Stratasys has announced that Japanese automotive company Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd, (Daihatsu) is teaming with top local designers to test a mass customisation project for end-use car parts with its 3D printing technology.

Based in Ikeda, Osaka, Japan, Daihatsu is collaborating with Kota Nezu from industrial design company Znug Design, Inc. and 3D creator Junjie Sun to turn the vision into reality with Stratasys Fortus Production 3D printers.

Designers have created 15 “Effect Skins” – intricate geometric and organic patterns in 10 different colours that are 3D printed using Stratasys Fortus 3D printers. Customers can adjust the parameters of the designs themselves, exponentially increasing the numbers of options and allowing “one-off” customisation for each consumer. The Effect Skins are 3D printed using ASA thermoplastic, which is very durable, UV resistant and aesthetic.

“What would have taken two to three months to develop can now be produced in two weeks,” says Mr. Osamu Fujishita, General Manager, Product Planning, Daihatsu.